Glossary

Only undisplaced and stable intraarticular fractures should be treated nonoperatively by plaster cast immobilization. Keep in mind that, for these fractures, the plaster cast cannot hold the fracture in place. It is only an immobilization of the joint.

All nonoperatively treated fractures should be controlled after some days (4-5 days) to identify whether the fracture is stable or not. If the fracture is not stable, operative treatment is required.

In children, it is recommended to immobilize the elbow joint by two splints (posterior and anterior) rather than a single posterior splint. The reason for this is that, when the child is pain-free activity will no longer be naturally restricted and stronger immobilization is required.

Additionally, two splints, as opposed to a full cast, avoid painful and stressful cast removal.

Preparation of padded splints

Two splints are prepared according to the correct posterior and anterior lengths. The posterior splint extends from the metacarpal heads to the proximal third of the humerus. The anterior splint extends from the palmar flexor crease to the proximal third of the humerus.